Assembly Republican Budget Officer Declan O'Scanlon (R-Red Bank) agreed with Schaer and explained how he relies on input from the public.

"It's a big help. I appreciate them coming out and we really do take some cues from what we get out of these hearings," O'Scanlon said. "The public's input is critical and it works. I will take the lion's share of my budget alteration recommendations probably from these very hearings."

The next Assembly Budget Committee public hearing is scheduled for March 24 in Room 11 of the State House Annex. The Senate budget panel is also conducting public hearings. Log onto www.nj.gov to get the full schedule.